On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) scarce antique map "Monmouthshire." Offered with hand colour.  Loosely offered in a mount which is just there for protection and can easily be removed.  
The map features original outline and full wash hand colour.   An explanatory key  details, towns, canals, rivers and roads and the distance in miles between towns is shown on the turnpike roads. There is also a reference to the hundreds,  a scale of miles & compass rose.  

DATE PRINTED: c.1700  The map was first issued c.1696 and printed in a variety of publications until c.1711.  This is not the later and far more common Grose reprints of c.1790. 

SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 6" x 5" (150mm x 125mm), (small) plus margins.

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: John Seller was a 17th century cartographer based in the London district of Wapping. In 1693 Seller began work on the Atlas Anglicanus - a projected complete small atlas of the British Isles. This also proved too much and was brought to an abrupt end with only six maps completed. Anglia Contracta, was a collection of small (about 3" x 4") of the counties of England and Wales. Seller did complete this one and published it in 1696. These small maps, though based on already published material from a number of sources including John Speed, were deliberately simple and crude, other than their decorative cartouche.  After Seller's death, the plates were sold on to Francis Grose. After adding an often rather roughly hand printed block of text to each county map, and simplifying Seller's decorative cartouche into a plain stamp, Grose went on to publish the remarkable small volume named: The Antiquities of England and Wales. Published between the years 1773 and 1787, this fine work was very successful resulting in the later updated plates being far more common that the earlier issues.

PROVENANCE: Published in either 'The History of England' or 'Camden's Britannia Abridg'd' between 1696 and 1711.

TYPE: Antique copper plate engraving printed on paper.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank.

CONDITION: Very good. Suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated.  

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique.

RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition.

POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  

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